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Eight Amazing Benefits of Weighted Blankets

September 13, 2019 By Annie Kearns 2 Comments

Why does everyone love weighted blankets so much? It’s probably because of these 8 amazing benefits.

Weighted blankets have become all the rage nowadays. A weighted blanket can help a variety of issues, from mental to physical. The way they do so is by providing constant pressure on the body.

A weighted blanket is made differently than regular comforters and throws. They are filled with either plastic pellets or glass beads to make them weigh more. They come in various sizes to fit the needs of every weight group. The heavier you are, the heavier blanket you will need. 

8 Amazing Benefits of Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets are not just comfortable. They also offer a variety of benefits for those who use them. Read on to learn eight amazing benefits of weighted blankets.

It Can Help Insomnia

Many men and women have insomnia regularly. When you don’t get enough sleep every night, you end up dealing with a host of other problems. This includes a lack of motivation, increased risk for some mental disorders, irritability, and more.

Studies have shown that sleeping under a weighted blanket can help to reduce insomnia. The heavy blanket can mold to your body, making you feel relaxed and comfortable. Your body will produce serotonin which will then convert into the natural sleep hormone known as melatonin. 

It Can Reduce Anxiety

More than 40 million Americans suffer from some form of anxiety. A weighted comforter can help a person relax, anytime and anywhere. The weight of the blanket feels as though you are receiving a firm but soft hug, which will help to bring stress levels down. Best of all, you can use a weighted blanket in your home, car, and even office (if your office atmosphere is a relaxed one.) 

It Can Increase Serotonin

Serotonin is known as the “feel-good” hormone that helps us stay happy and relaxed. A lack of serotonin in an individual will lead to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

It also contributes to our sleep cycle, as serotonin is converted into melatonin. The deep pressure that you will feel from a weighted blanket can increase the serotonin hormones in your body, leaving you feeling happy and relaxed. 

It Can Help With Restless Leg Syndrome

Anyone who has ever experienced restless leg syndrome knows how awful it can be. RLS causes a tingling and unsettled feeling in the legs. You will feel as though you need to stretch and massage your legs frequently.

Unfortunately, RLS happens more regularly at nighttime when you are trying to sleep, leading to an uncomfortable and painful night. Many people put constant pressure on their legs to get relief. One way to do this is with a weighted blanket. The heaviness of the blanket will give you the strength you need to stop RLS from happening. 

It Can Ease Your Pain Without Drugs

For many people, falling asleep when they are in pain can be difficult. To fall asleep, they end up turning to drugs. Whether you are taking prescription medication or over-the-counter painkillers, using another form of pain relief is going to be much better for you in the long run.

Many users say that a weighted blanket can ease their pain and help them sleep better without having to turn to medication. It’s a great alternative to having to worry about side effects from the drugs or long term effects due to prolonged use. 

It Can Help With PTSD Symptoms

PTSD is a condition that can affect men, women, and children. It used only to be associated with soldiers who experienced trauma during service and combat. However, PTSD is also a problem for many people who have dealt with stressful events or traumatic experiences.

PTSD can cause a host of other issues, such as anxiety, insomnia, anger, and depression. One solution is the use of a weighted blanket. A weighted blanket can help lower blood pressure and stress levels in a person who has PTSD, according to studies. 

It Can Help With OCD

OCD, or Obsessive-compulsive disorder, causes many obsessive and persistent behaviors and thoughts. OCD can disrupt a person’s life when they are always plagued with obsessive thoughts, such as the need to lock and relock doors and windows.

Researchers have found that low serotonin levels are linked to the disorder, so the use of a weighted blanket can help. The deep pressure of the blanket can boost a person’s serotonin and help ease their OCD symptoms. 

It Can Help the Elderly

The senior citizen population often deals with just as many problems as the younger generation. Seniors often feel stressed, anxious, and depressed. This can cause insomnia or other issues in their sleep-wake cycles.

Sleep researchers have found that weighted blankets can help the elderly settle down at night and sleep better than ever. An added benefit is the fact that these blankets are quite warm, a perk that many older men and women will appreciate. 

If you or a loved one suffers from any of these symptoms, a weighted blanket could be the answer you are looking for.